Welcome to the first of many, Detroit-inspired playlists. Each week we are digging through all of the talent in local and well-known Detroit musicians to put together a mix of Detroit style, Detroit groove, and Detroit rock – with everything from the beloved classic hits to the local numbers you hear at our own Metro Detroit venues.

To start us off…

Almost Free – “Generation Y”

(credit: almostfreedet.com/Discography)

Almost Free has been playing shows around Metro Detroit for 10 years! If you haven’t seen them yet, you definitely want to check out their website here!

The Gories – “Nitroglycerine”

(credit: rogkentroll.blogspot.com/2008/12/gories.html)

Did you know the band’s name comes from the 1960s television show “Gidget”? Watch the song “Nitroglycerine” live here!

The Primitive Shine – “Girl On An Elevator”

(credit: theprimitiveshine.bandcamp.com)

The Primitive Shine meshes well the influential sounds of the bands R.E.M, Pixies, and The Black Keys for a grungy, garage rock with harmonious vocals and layering guitar. Check out their Bandcamp here!

The HandGrenades – “See You ‘Round”

(credit: thehandgrenades.bandcamp.com)

The band credits their sound as “part British invasion, part Motown, and coupled with modern acts like The Walkmen and French Kicks.” Check out the track here!

The Jet Rodriguez – “Reptilian Man”

(credit: thejetrodriguezmusic.com)

Major influences of The Jet Rodriguez are the earth, wind, fire, the sun, the moon, and the sky – giving this band a psychedelic with melodic vibe. Check out the band’s website here!

The Dirtbombs – “Stop”

(credit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dangerous_Magical_Noise)

Uniquely notable dual bass guitar and dual drum, The Dirtbombs combine punk, rock, and soul. Did you know guitarist, Mick Collins is also in the Detroit band The Gories? Check out the song “Stop” here!

The Ashleys – “Primitive Needs”

(credit: theashleys.bandcamp.com)

A duo band, The Ashleys combine a bluesy White Stripes feel mixed with the Detroit indie rock sound. Check out their Bandcamp here!

Citizen Smile – “Caught Between Two Fires”

(credit: citizensmile.bandcamp.com)

Citizen Smile formed by childhood friends, the band credits Wilco, Nada Surf, and Weezer, as their musical influences. Check out the song “Caught Between Two Fires” here!

The Von Bondies – “C’mon C’mon”

(credit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pawn_Shoppe_Heart)

Did you know The Von Bondies once performed under the name The Baby Killers? Watch the video for “C’mon C’mon” here!

The Romantics – “What I Like About You”

(credit: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Romantics)

This classic song has been featured in movies, television shows, and even in the popular video game Guitar Hero, since the release in 1980. Watch the music video here!

Make sure to check back next week for a new list of Metro Detroit bands and artists!